Pregnant woman with hand numbness: The culprit and treatment

Pregnant women with hand numbness can have many causes, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, low blood pressure and stiffness. This will interfere with your daily activities.

Pregnancy changes a woman's body to a significant extent. It is not uncommon for some women to experience unusual symptoms over the course of nine months. While a pregnancy with hand numbness may not be one of the  typical signs of pregnancy , it is relatively common and has many different causes. So what is it? Let's learn with aFamilyToday Health through the following article.

Low blood pressure is the reason why pregnant women have numb hands

Low blood pressure can affect many things, one of which reduces blood flow back from the extremities. When the tissues do not get enough blood for a long period of time, the reactive nerves respond with a feeling of numbness and tingling, which in turn causes the pregnant woman to numb her hand.

Solution

In this case, you can clasp your hands into fists as well as move your arms to help relieve numbness.

Pregnant woman has numbness due to displacement of the joint

Doctors have suggested that among the hormones produced by the body during pregnancy, one is made to loosen joints. This hormone is relaxin, which functions to help the pregnant mother's pelvis open up ready for the baby to go through during labor .

However, the hormone relaxin is not only limited to the pelvic joints, but can also act on other joints in the body. As a result, pregnant women sometimes find themselves moving more flexibly than before. However, the result of joint loosening is that nerves can be pinched as the bone moves out of place.

Pinched nerve leads to a tingling sensation. Pregnant women often sleep on their side instead of on their backs. This will cause the shoulder joints to change and press on the nerves, leading to a numbness in the hand.

Solution

If you want to improve, rest on a soft mattress and change your sleeping position often.

The wrist syndrome makes pregnant women numb their arms

Pregnant women who experience numbness in their arms, itching or even aching arms during pregnancy are likely caused by carpal tunnel syndrome . Carpal tunnel syndrome is quite common among pregnant women. This happens when there is a buildup of fluid in the tissues in the wrist, causing nerves to run down the hand and the finger is pinched, causing tingling and numbness. You may also find that the ability to hold objects becomes weaker, as well as having difficulty moving fingers.

Carpal tunnel syndrome usually occurs during the first or third trimester . If you have had this condition before, you are more likely to see it again in your next pregnancy. Carpal tunnel syndrome may continue or even develop after childbirth.

Carpal tunnel syndrome often affects more hands that pregnant mothers use more, especially the middle and index fingers. It also makes you feel uncomfortable when you wake up because sometimes you put your hands under your cheeks, cuddle your hands, and use your hands on your knees while sleeping, so the blood doesn't flow. In addition, you are more likely to experience this syndrome if:

Multiple pregnancy

Being overweight before pregnancy

Your breasts begin to grow excessively during pregnancy

All of this puts heavy pressure on the shoulders, ribs and arms, making pregnant women numb their arms. Even though it's annoying, don't worry too much. This syndrome is not too serious, it will go away on its own about 3 months after your baby is born due to the gradual elimination of fluid from the body.

Solution

Some methods of pain relief for pregnant women with hand numbness when suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. You can still use these methods if your hand still feels uncomfortable:

Exercise and massage

Grab your wrists with one hand and massage using a circular motion. This can reduce clogging and encourage liquid not to build up inside.

Gently straighten arms and arms. Try not to overdo it to avoid damaging your carpal tunnel.

Have your loved one gently massage your hands and wrists, moving toward your armpits, then towards your upper shoulders, neck and back.

Massage reflexology

Internal acupressure can help pregnant mothers reduce numbness in their arms. If both hands are affected, ask a loved one to help you do acupressure for maximum effect. Find this point by the following:

Pinch the 3 fingers of the index, middle, and ring fingers together and place them horizontally on top of the wrist.

The internal acupuncture point will be located in the middle of the wrist, where the thumb can feel two large tendons

Emphasize this point for 10 seconds

Repeat with the other hand.

Not only supporting the treatment of numbness in the hand, internal acupuncture point also has the ability to help pregnant mothers sleep well or even fight motion sickness without using drugs.

Herb

Chamomile tea not only relaxes the mind but also helps reduce inflammation. However, do not drink more than one cup at night. Despite its sedative effect, overuse will keep you awake all night.

Preventing pregnant women getting numb

To prevent numbness in your hands during pregnancy, try to eat a healthy diet and keep your weight steady. Limit salt, sugar, and fat. Also, drink plenty of water, and eat fruits and vegetables every day. Foods rich in vitamin B6 can also promote nervous system health, such as:

Butter

Garlic

Hazelnut

Sunflower seeds and sesame seeds

Lean meat (pork, lamb ...)

Dark green vegetables (broccoli, greens, broccoli ...)

Fish contains a lot of oil such as mackerel, tuna, and salmon ...